3 Wounded as Sectarian Clashes in Lebanon Continue

Shelling between pro and anti-Syrian neighborhoods in Lebanon city of Tripoli leave three people wounded.

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Elad Benari, Canada, 19/05/12 00:04

Lebanese Army in Tripoli

Reuters

Shelling between two pro and anti-Syrian neighborhoods in the north Lebanon port city of Tripoli on Friday left three people wounded, sources told AFP.

A security official told AFP that at least four shells and grenades fell on the two districts, one with a majority Sunni Muslim population supporting the revolt in neighboring Syria, and another populated by Alawites loyal to the Syrian regime.

Clashes in the area over the past week have left ten people dead and sparked fears that the revolt sweeping Syria since March of last year could engulf Lebanon.

Tension between the Sunni and Alawite communities in Tripoli has been fueled by the uprising in Syria and the arrival in the area of thousands of Syrian refugees fleeing the violence in their country.

Clashes broke out last weekend, after the arrest of a Sunni Islamist on charges of belonging to a terrorist organization. His supporters say he was targeted for helping Syrian refugees fleeing the unrest in their country.

Israeli defense personnel said this week they are watching closely as Syrian gunmen begin to carry their battle into Lebanese territory.

Earlier this month, the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee issued an authorization for a call up for as many as 22 IDF battalions to guard the northern and southern fronts after hearing testimony from security officials. Almost immediately, six battalions were activated.

(Arutz Sheva’s North American Desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)